Skipper scheme helps cut drink-drive rate

Police say a designated driver program in the Whitsundays has lead to a reduction in the number of people caught drink driving.

Four licensed venues have been running the skipper program in Airlie Beach since November, with licenced venue operators and police deeming it a success.

Crime prevention officer Ron Waters-Marsh says the program has also helped to improve patron behaviour in the popular tourist spot.

"This New Year's period was the quietest one they've had for some time and while it may not be directly attributable to the skipper program, we believe that the impact of having someone sober in your crew to help keep everyone in line and get everyone out of the precinct quickly has ... definitely been a factor contributing to it," he said.